Remarks by the Minister of Finance after his meeting
with the Vice-President of the European
Commission
Let me start by saying how delighted we are to have with us, here in
Nicosia, the Vice-President of the European Commission and a leading figure in
European politics, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis.
This is a very timely visit, as it coincides with the completion of
the Cyprus support programme.
We had the chance to review the good progress achieved during the
last three years, which saw the stabilization of the banking sector, the
consolidation of public finances, the promotion of much needed structural
reform, the re-establishment of market access and primarily, the return to
positive growth rates.
But it was also an opportunity, both for the President and for
myself, to reiterate the continued commitment of the Government of Cyprus to the
policy of reform and fiscal consolidation. Besides, this is the policy which has
been delivering results and we know that there is more which needs to be done.
The completion of the programme is not the end of the road, but it is
a new beginning, which will see dedication, commitment and effort, in the
direction of further reforming the economy of Cyprus, staying clear of the
mistakes of the past.
We also had the chance to discuss the prospects of the re-unification
of Cyprus, which remains the top priority for our Government, and how the
European Commission could be of help in ensuring how a re-unified Cyprus could
function effectively as a member of the European Union and the Eurozone.
Mr Vice-President, thank you for all your help and support.
